I don’t suppose you realised that when you brought you dog into your home you had to be a leader.You were looking for a best friend but your dog needs a strong leader - that’s you. Unfortunately activities associated with the ‘companion’ role are completely opposite to those associated with the ‘leadership’ role. So if you are going to have a successful relationship with your dog you need to put the ‘companion’ role in the back seat and take up your responsibilities as a leader. If you don’t your dog will become insecure and attempt to assume the leadership role himself.This can result in several mostly undesirable behaviours.
To stand a chance of becoming an effective leader you must see things as if from your dog’s eyes. To be an effective leader there are three principles that every dog owner should follow. This dog training guide explains three basic facts about how to be a good pack leader.
1 Manage your Dog’s Time
Create a routine and do not depart from it. Dogs love a routine. Use a crate regularly to a predetermined plan. The crate is the safest, most effective form of confinement. Your dog feels secure and safe there and will look forward to going there.You should get your puppy used to it as soon as possible and carry on using it all through his life according to his particular stage of development.
Your dog needs a structured life bound by consistent rules.As your dog proves himself a good leader expands his boundariesof responsibility.He also does not hesitate about removing some freedom or tightening boundaries if poor behaviours return.
2 Direct Activities
When your dog is not in his crate you should have an activity plan ready which is not just ‘Stay out of my way’.You dog must know what is acceptable behaviour in your home so you should actively practice obedience commands. Praise is what your dog’s world is all about, it is the brightest star in his universe.Running through obedience commands provides the chance to give your dog that praise and should be a major part of dog obedience training.
3 Be Consistent
If you are not consistent you will confuse and irritate your dog.To get a certain action or behaviour, always use the same words in thwe same sequence. Similarly, every person in your home must follow the same pattern.Make sure that when you have a bad, stressful day you do not take it out on your dog. Stressful outbursts from you will result in stressful behaviours from your dog. Leaders need to remain in control of their emotions and must not behave in an erratic manner.
So that’s all there is to it - If you are ready to become pack leader and do everything that it entails, you will discover that your dog becomes a wonderful companion which is what you wanted in the first place isn’t it.
Follow this link to my Dog Training Guide for more information on all aspects of dog training.
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